Conflict management and resolution; cultural diversity training programs

On and after July 1, 2000, the Department of Education shall provide training programs in conflict management and resolution and in cultural diversity for voluntary implementation by local boards of education for school employees, parents and guardians, and students; provided, however, that after July 1, 2022, such training programs shall not advocate for divisive concepts, as such term is defined in Code Section 20-1-11. History. Code 1981, § 20-2-739, enacted by Ga. L. 1999, p. 438, § 4; Ga. L. 2022, p. 136, § 1-4/HB 1084. The 2022 amendment, effective July 1, 2022, added the proviso at the end of this Code section. Editor’s notes. Ga. L. 2022, p. 136, § 1-1/HB 1084, not codified by the General Assembly, provides: “This Act shall be known and may be cited as the ‘Protect Students First Act.’” 667 20-2-740 20-2-740. Annual report by local boards of education regarding disciplinary and placement actions; annual study by Department of Education. (a) Each local board of education shall file an annual report, by August 1 of each year, with the Department of Education regarding disciplinary and placement actions taken during the prior school year. Such report shall classify the types of actions into the following categories: (1) Actions in which a student was assigned to in-school suspension; (2) Actions in which a student was suspended for a period of ten days or less; (3) Actions in which a student was suspended for a period of more than ten days but not beyond the current school quarter or semester; (4) Actions in which a student was expelled beyond the current school quarter or semester but not permanently expelled; (5) Actions in which a student was permanently expelled; (6) Actions in which a student was placed in an alternative educational setting; (7) Actions in which a student was suspended from riding the bus; (8) Actions in which corporal punishment was administered; and (9) Actions in which a student was removed from class pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 20-2-738. (b) For each category of disciplinary or placement action listed in paragraphs (1) through (9) of subsection (a) of this Code section, the local board shall provide the following information: the number of students subject to the type of disciplinary or placement action; the age and grade level of such students; such students’ race and gender; and the number of students subject to the type of disciplinary action who were eligible for free or reduced price lunches under federal guidelines. For each action listed in paragraph (9) of subsection (a) of this Code section, the local board shall also provide information regarding the decisions of placement review committees and the disciplinary and placement decisions made by principals or their designees. The data required by this Code section shall be reported separately for each school within the local school system and collected and reported in compliance with the requirements of 20 U.S.C. Sections 1232g and 1232h. (c) The Department of Education shall conduct a study for each school year based upon the statistical data filed by local boards 668 20-2-740 ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY EDUC. 20-2-741 pursuant to this Code section for the purpose of determining trends in discipline. The department shall also utilize existing demographic data on school personnel as needed to establish trends in discipline. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to authorize the public release of personally identifiable information regarding students or school personnel. The department shall prepare a report for the General Assembly on the study annually and notify the members of the General Assembly of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient. History. Code 1981, § 20-2-740, enacted by Ga. L. 1999, p. 438, § 4; Ga. L. 2005, p. 1036, § 14/SB 49. 20-2-741. Positive behavorial interventions and supports and response to intervention. (a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) “High needs school” means a public school which has received a school climate rating of “1-star” or “2-star” pursuant to Code Section 20-14-33. (2) “Positive behavioral interventions and supports” or “PBIS” means an evidence based data-driven framework to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school’s sense of safety, and support improved academic outcomes through a multitiered approach, using disciplinary data and principles of behavior analysis to develop school-wide, targeted, and individualized interventions and supports. (3) “Response to intervention” or “RTI” means a framework of identifying and addressing the academic and behavioral needs of students through a tiered system. (b) Local boards of education are encouraged to implement PBIS and RTI programs and initiatives in their schools, and particularly in high needs schools. (c) The State Board of Education is authorized, subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, to provide funds to local school systems to support PBIS and RTI programs, initiatives, and personnel. (d) The State Board of Education is authorized to establish rules and regulations for PBIS and RTI programs and initiatives which receive funding pursuant to this Code section. History. Code 1981, § 20-2-741, enacted by Ga. L. 2015, p. 1070, § 1/SB 164. Editor’s notes. This Code section formerly pertained to the requirement of local boards of education to send copies of policies to the Department of Education and the effect on Individualized Education Programs. The former Code section was based on Ga. L. 669 1999, p. 438, § 4 and was repealed by Ga. L. 2012, p. 358, § 34/HB 706, effective July 1, 2012.